Stuart MacDonald, Penang Institute Fellow and Urban Studies head, commented that this “was what the state was working for in the last four years as seen by the Penang Transport Master Plan (PTMP).” MacDonald stated that he was confident that the implementation of a tram network in Penang could help lower traffic congestion as it offered an alternative that could help commuters get to their destinations faster.

He went on to add that the three key ‘Cs’ that make up an effective public transport network should be observed – comfort, convenience and cost-effective. “Convenience means the frequency should be as regular as possible as there is no point in waiting 30 minutes for a tram,” he told the daily. The tram service, should it come into service, should be comfortable and “not too pricey for commuters.”

As mentioned, SPAD is to submit a proposal for amendments to the Land Public Transport (PAD) Act 2010 as the current version does not contain any form of provision for such a service. SPAD CEO, Mohd Nur Ismail Kamal, clarified that such a move was required as the trams would run alongside vehicles on the road.

Aside from MacDonald, the move was also applauded by Chow Kon Yeow, Local Government Committee chairman, who commented that “the state welcomed the initiative” undertaken by SPAD to amend the legislation. “We shall work on the matter after the appointment of the project delivery partner (PDP) of the PTMP,” he concluded.

An “actor” by training, Gregory Sze realised that he has had enough of drama in his life. Following his number one passion (acting was actually number two), he decided to make the jump into the realm of automotive journalism. He appreciates the simple things in life – a simple car with nothing but back-to-basics mechanical engineering and minimal electronics on board.

This is a good move considering tram was my primary mode of transport when i was in melbourne. It is very convenient provided there would be an extensive network of trams connecting every nook n cranny of the city. Only thing of concern is, whether the drivers can adapt to having a large ‘train’ in their streets and learn to drive accordingly. Otherwise, Penang driver who’s known for being a bad driver will just end up creating accidents after accidents.

Trams on the narrow streets of georgetown will only cause havoc to the already congested traffic and will finally put the final nail to the coffin of the already suffering trishaw service. What penang needs is a efficient intrastate public transport ie LRT/metro services.

Please la.. many contries in europe are using trams. some of their roads are even narrower than georgetown. trams are well known as good public transport solution for this kind of narrow road and old city.

The problem now is that most of penangites drive into georgetown because the lack of suitable public transport. If LRT/metro is available, less cars will go into the city hence ease the congestion. Only then trams can be effectively implemented and efficiently used.

Agree, Already so narrow and congested, What is needed is a LRT to replace the ferry, Why are island people not taking the bus more often? Who will the tram benefit? I do weekly food shopping trips from the mainland to the island. Impossible to go carless.

imo, people afraid to implement tram bcoz its damn too crowded already. but, people will slowly adapt/ leave their cars at home as they start using public transport. of course malaysian drivers quite harsh on the road, but who knows when tram comes, they will slowly learn how to respect others on the road.

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